Project Pabst in Portland, Oregon, has a long and nuanced history that most music festivals don’t share. Launched as a Fall festival in 2014, Pabst Brewing Company hoped for it to be a “love letter to Portland”. In 2015, the time of year was moved to July and has remained a Summer festival ever since. In 2016, they changed locations from Zidell Yards, just a short jaunt down the road from their current home at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Throughout the years, they have experimented with putting on evening shows at different clubs and bars around town and have reinvented themselves after a chosen hiatus and some forced years off. In 2017, they had their last show until an attempted comeback in 2020 that was halted by COVID, only to return last year finally. Continue reading “Project Pabst 2025 Journal”
Mosswood Meltdown is an annual beacon for all the freaks, geeks, rebels, righteousness, and everything that smells like punk rock. The East Bay punk scene has continued to thrive, as punkers converge on familiar and unique locations from 925 Gilman Street to the beach with a solar-powered van and even the public transit system. This is a dedicated mob of misfits that continues to expand and connect. It was no surprise that this year’s Mosswood Meltdown had a significantly larger attendance than years past. Moving the date to an off-holiday weekend was a plus. Although headlining a legend like Devo and closing the festival with Bratmobile, a new uprising force in the punk world, is a stronger likelihood for a significant increase in attendance. My main complaint was that this festival ended too soon. I am still hungry and looking forward to next year. This must have been a shared feeling, as the early bird tickets for 2026 sold out quicker than a sneeze.
The outstanding and highlighted punk-rock performances were Exploding Hearts, Giuda, Prison Affair, Osees, NIIS, and Twompsax. Every single moment on stage was special for a variety of reasons, listed below in order of appearance, with grand photo memories.
Gentleman Jesse
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Gentleman Jesse opened the festival with high-energy, simple lyrics and a catchy pop-punk feel. The musical influences of the Ramones were evident. The set was solid and better than I had initially previewed on Spotify and YouTube. The crowd demanded an encore, but the band politely declined until Charles (the MC) sided with the crowd. Lead singer Jesse Smith smiled broadly and said, “Only because it is your birthday, Charles.” Jesse was kind, considerate, and certainly prepared. They played a quick two additional minutes, then jumped off the stage.
Diesel Dudes
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Diesel Dudes delivered a hardcore/electro-punk with muscle joke theatrics. After the drummer finished his power weight lifting and dropped the barbell with a vibrating thump, I realized it wasn’t a fake prop, and neither was the show. The lyrics and beat were repetitive, yet not boring. The weight lifting powered up as the songs intensified. Performing alone is exhausting, and adding push-ups and weight lifting makes me think about how hard it is in the music industry. It was a heavy-hitting, thrusting, good time.
NIIS
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NIIS was anything but typical hardcore. Their extra fierce, raging presence energized everyone. The lyrics roared commands to fight for America, especially that ICE can “fuck off.” Vocalist Mimi SanDoe must have frightened the audio engineer as her mic was muted quite a few times. I enjoyed the ferocious expression. NIIS (nice) crushed it on multiple levels, from expressive, poignant lyrics to screaming guitar riffs. NIIS gifted the crowd with a live version of their fresh album release “NIIS World”.
Bleached
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Bleached 🙂 The return of Jennifer and Jessie Clavin with Bleached was wildly welcomed. Bleached has a calmer and polished sound compared to their previous project, Mika Miko. Smooth and heartfelt, they rolled out songs that have been missing from their live performances for over 3 years. There is a special connection with their fans that has only grown stronger.
Prison Affair
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Prison Affair (a musical project from Barcelona) links gritty vocals and lyrics that challenge isolation and one’s choices. The egg-punk sound emphasizes high-hitting guitar riffs, utilizing a forceful drum beat that holds the chaos together. It’s fast; it’s quick; it’s punk. The songs average one and a half minutes in length. Snoozing is not an option. If so, you will miss something truly special and punk.
Exploding Hearts
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Exploding Hearts ended abruptly 20 years ago, after playing San Francisco’s Bottom of the Hill. The band’s sole release has been remixed and resurfaced by Terry Six, the only surviving member of the original band. The current success of the tour is a statement to the timelessness of the Exploding Hearts’ 1st and Last album. At Mosswood Meltdown, the entire band entered the stage with a commanding presence – kind, purposeful, and powerful. The set ended with the favorite “I’m a Pretender.” The vibe was of old friends in the prime of their musical profession. After their set, many fans spilled guilty confessions of missing their last SF performance. Yet, instead of feeling closure, they only want more. My response is always to choose to see your favorite band live; obligations will always be around the next day. Then again, second chances usually exceed expectations when Terry Six is involved. Unsure if this is a one-off tribute tour or a launch into the development of a fresh new album. I am hoping for the latter.
Osees
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Osees’ mix of drums and dancing vocal madness into an unhinged experience. Frontman John Dywer continues to bring something new and often chaotic to the live performances. The music hits garage rock, psychedelic punk, artfully delivering a unique, interesting, powerful, loud, poetic sound. The set-up was time-consuming, yet the outcome was rewarding.
Devo
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DEVO! Red Cone Heads flooded the festival early, announcing their favorite musical heroes are coming – D.E.V.O! These legendary icons surely delivered with preserved voices and fine-tuned instrumental fun. There were several set pauses for outstanding kick-back ’80s-style videos. Hinted mentions of the current world issues, yet keeping the vibe light. Such as:
“A warning that in this world we live in – we must – WHIP IT!”
The remix of the Rolling Stones’ “I can’t get no satisfaction” into the egg-punk beat and poetic spitting lyrics.
De-evolution is real! We don’t have to look for it.” “There was a question: Are we not Men! Response WE ARE DEVO!”
“Questioning freedom of choice: ‘Where did it go?’” “Do you want Boogie Boy? We do too!”
A memorable special appearance of ‘Booji Boy’ spoke of memories of John Waters and Boogie Boy’s good fortune to meet “Divine.” Sweet ending as the set transitioned to the end with their own version of “Beautiful World.”
TINA!!!
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TINA!!! This band really emphasized the attitude within “Bubblegum punk.” Tina (Boom Boom) is no stranger to the festival, with her previous band “Trash Women”. She blasted the favorites – “She’s so tough”, “Dirty Lies”, then thought all emotions: sad, angry, and fun… It was a great hangover cure!
Guida
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The Giuda experience was an Italian 5 finger air-punch of a good time. The lyrics are fun, fast, and catchy. Good luck attempting to sing along; the beat is quick with rock ‘ n ‘ roll rebellion riffs. The explosive energy from frontman Nenda is matched with the lead guitarist Lorenzo, bassist Danilo, guitarist Michele, and drummer Alex. The energy can move the handicapped into a jiggling dance squad. This festival gig was on the tail end of their US tour, and the band played a local club the night before; yet, they shook the ground like no other. I truly doubt they sleep. There is a Facebook post that they are currently recording something new at Studio 606 in LA – truly excited and looking forward to the next one…
Haus Of Libations
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Haus of Libations -An outrageous blast of ridiculously adult fun. The humorous acting and insightful props were creative and played well with the theme. The audience’s laughter rocked the venue—an enjoyable, radically uncomfortable show, created for everyone.
Twompsax
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Twompsax! Gotta love a poetic sound check. It was reminiscent of a vip show. Cher Strauberry, front person, sweetly gave a little teaser and something extra to restless fans between sets. Her multiple enthusiastic jumps and theatrics in expressing honoring yourself were emotionally uplifting. The set ended with Cher tossing the mic to a friend in the crowd, as a gift for her trans-birthday. As a crowd sang “Happy Birthday”, there was no need for a microphone. The entire city celebrates you. That is a community, friend!
Kreayshawn
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Kreayshawn – Natassia’s honest and commanding performance sparked the crowd. Backed by a spinning genius Jewells Pena (DJ Fatboy), was stop, drop, and stomp. The “Hello Kitty” presence was a fun addition, despite Kreashawn claiming she is a dog-lover. It was a sweet lead-in toward “Missing Kitty,” a cat who acted like a dog. Unsure if her little cat was ever found? Kreayshawn’s rhymes and word juxtaposition are creative, intelligent, and humorous. After an energizing performance and long commute, she did pay tribute to her fans with a meet/greet along the rail for photos and signatures. Honoring fans is such a big part of the community. Rap isn’t my go-to genre; yet, Kreashawn was captivating, engaging, and isn’t to be ignored.
La Luz
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La Luz‘s dreamy, sweet lullaby music swept the stage. Absent were the vocals until the second half of the set. The euphonious vocalizations blended with ethereal synthesizers and guitars to deliver a heavenly calm. They enhanced the afternoon with classic psychedelic-pop, delivering a soothing summer love vibe. La Luz introduced an additional band member, “the professor,” who led a worm dance competition down the center of a parted crowd. These female psychedelic musicians bring sweetness to the world with a timeless message.
Shannon and the Clams
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Shannon and the Clams! Shannon enthusiastically reminisced on the days she wrote her at Mosswood Park. Life can be so surreal at times. John Waters’ introduction was that “music is her ultimate cure.” The set kicked off with a rock version of “You Will Always Bring Me Flowers,” then moved into the sweet Doo-wop and blues/rock rhythm they are known for. It was a happy set that would cure anyone’s saddest moment.
Bratmobile
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Relieved Bratmobile is on the main stage this year. In 2023, I was climbing and swinging from the speakers just to get a decent photograph. This crowd was tight and intense. Having a photo pit didn’t matter; everyone crashed through to get closer to the front of the stage. Lead singer Allision had a few polite political discourses with advice on being creative with retaliation. Bratmobile always gives the crowd more than they can handle and is very generous in sharing the stage. Returning to the stage was Brontez Purnell (Brauny) with his special dance moves, Drew from Trap Girl singing “Bitch Theme”, “Fix It,” and The Linda Lindas with “Cherry Bomb”, and closing the night with Trent from The Mummies doing his best Danzig impersonation on “Where Eagles Dare.”
A special THANK YOU to all the sponsors, vendors, and fans that make this festival possible!
I’m starting to feel a twinge of… Hope? Maybe we can battle the rise of fascism in this country still? And our good friends at Mosswood Meltdown have announced that their first headliner is… DEVO! The only line of defense against the devolution of democracy. Plus, the return of the mighty Kreayshawn and garage titans Osees, The Exploding Hearts, and The Kids, with a LOT more to come! Tickets are on sale NOW!!! Buy early because prices go up!
“Oakland California, November 2024. A town without a Mayor, a D.A., or a major sports team. Our city has lost so much, but we haven’t lost the soul of the people. Here at Oakland CA’s Mosswood Meltdown Music Fest, we celebrate our own heroes. We elect John Waters, the Prince of Puke, to preside over our festivities.
We’ve witnessed De-evolution on a world stage in real-time, so this year, we’ll be hosting the pioneers of De-Evolutionary theory, the legendary art-punk band DEVO from Akron, Ohio, as well as San Francisco legends Osees, The Queen of Oakland, Kreayshawn, Portland’s only Rock n Roll band, The Exploding Hearts, and Bloody Belgium’s The Kids!
In the face of disasters, Oakland, CA, is resilient. Thanks for helping support independent music and arts in our community. “
Wet Leg are arguably one of the few bands to have a “really good pandemic.” They broke through with amazing videos and the right hooks to rise above the misery. And they have been excellent at giving back when they can, sort of thanking the world for their success. In 2021, they donated merch money to Afghan Refugee women. And now they are donating the original demo of “Loving You,” one of the most beautiful and serious tracks off their debut album, to The Brigid Alliance, an organization that helps connect women with abortion services.
“Loving You (Demo)” is the first track fromGood Music To Ensure Safe Abortion Access For All, a digital compilation available TODAY and only TODAY from Bandcamp! It’s chock full of exclusive tracks from Sleater-Kinney, Bully, Ty Segall, and many more. There are also a slew of alternate takes and live versions of tracks, including a re-recording of David Byrne’s “Empire” with help from Devo, a much desired Thao & tUnE-yArDs collaboration on “Meticulous Bird,” and, really, too much more to name. Oh, and 100% of the proceeds will go to The Brigid Alliance and Noise For Now! Full tracklisting after the jump! Continue reading “Single of the Week: “Loving You (Demo)” by Wet Leg”
Kitten are, hands down, one of the top 10 live bands I’ve ever seen. Frontwoman Chloe Chaidez is the most fearless woman I’ve ever seen take to the stage. Sometimes I’m amazed that she is still alive, considering the type of torture she puts her body through on stage. This is their first time in the Bay Area since the release of their first full length record (after three excellent EPs). Their eponymous debut is a fun collection of synth pop songs with infectious hooks, and I highly recommend it. Although the live show is really the bread & butter with this band.
Veruca Salt released two fine pieces of fuzzy guitar pop goodness in the mid 90s. It’s been far too long since Louise Post and Nina Gordon have put collaborated on a project, but the new Veruca Salt record is another classic piece of Alternative Nation era rock goodness. Kennedy would be proud!
The legendary “Rocktober” seems to be starting early this year… September’s show schedule is already full of conflicts and killer shows. Please, read on!
While there is all manner of serious business involved in a tour, a concert, or even a single small show at a tiny club down the street, there’s no reason to think that the performers involved can’t have a sense of humor about their craft. To enter a career where one spends a great deal of time under a many-headed microscope, subject to all form of criticism and judgment, it’s a stifling gig to churn out a repetitive set, stick to the shadows, and keep your eyes to the floor as if you’re just waiting for the experience to end. It makes far more sense to abandon that sense of self-severity in the name of fun and celebration, to embrace the rock concert as the spectacle it has always been revered as, and to explode with enthusiasm for every minute of the evening. This is a job best suited for seasoned veterans, as well as musical acts that decide to live outside the realms of defined genres and formulaic sounds — and the Akron, Ohio quintet known as Devo proved themselves more than up to the task.
Mosswood Meltdown is an annual beacon for all the freaks, geeks, rebels, righteousness, and everything that smells like punk rock. The East Bay punk scene has continued to thrive, as punkers converge on familiar and unique locations from 925 Gilman Street to the beach with a solar-powered van and even the public transit system. This is a dedicated mob of misfits that continues to expand and connect. It was no surprise that this year’s Mosswood Meltdown had a significantly larger attendance than years past. Moving the date to an off-holiday weekend was a plus. Although headlining a legend like Devo and closing the festival with Bratmobile, a new uprising force in the punk world, is a stronger likelihood for a significant increase in attendance. My main complaint was that this festival ended too soon. I am still hungry and looking forward to next year. This must have been a shared feeling, as the early bird tickets for 2026 sold out quicker than a sneeze.
